A New Religion

Shopping is the new religion;
The mall, our church.

(Dear shoes, who art on the ground floor)

Instead of forgiveness, we beg for another sale;
Not charity, but more store credit;
Instead of enlightenment,
We pray for a new pair of patent leather slingbacks
with a kitten heel, only £74.99, today only.

(Harrods be thy name)

Instead of searching for enlightenment,
We live for ourselves,
Trying to make enough money
So that we can truly say, I am better than he is;
I have a bigger TV than him,
A faster car
More shoes.
We measure morality on what we can afford,
So that those with more are of course
Happier, prettier, better than others.

(Forgive us our debts)

People killed in the streets for a wallet,
A mobile phone, a diamond ring.
Wars rage on in the name of God,
For the sake of oil and land.

(Lead us into temptation)

Consumerism is our purpose.
Feed the world with oysters in garlic butter sauce with lemongrass,
Champagne on ice,
Raspberry chocolate torte with creme fraiche.
Dress the world in Yves Saint Laurent, Jimmy Choos,
And a coat made from a hundred mink.

(Deliver us our catalogue orders)

A world obsessed with things & appearances.
Shopping is the new religion,Inane jingles our hymns.
Take, eat: a stick of celery ensures we look our very best.
Take, drink: into oblivion until we cannot remember who we are,
And are finally content with ourselves.
Bow your head, and pray.